07.02.2022.
Skopje is the city that transcends a note of weirdness as modern blends with the historical images so quickly. Skopje scatters the traces of the Romane, Byzantine and Ottoman time at its southern spirit.
Alexander the Great, one of the most imposant figure of North Macedonia and its king got the monument dedicated to him in the recent years, actually 1973. This comes down to the constant tensions between Greece and North Macedonia. Removing the statue becomes the hot topic once again.
In fact, Skopje is rich with statues that gather at the very density at its main square and lovely Art bridge. It’s so rich with statues that the wonder of fantastic puzzle doesn’t lack.
Which places describe Skopje in its essence? Or what to include in your Skopje itinerary?
Čaršija
I actually visited Skopje taking into account that my family lives there ie. my aunt and cousins. That was a lovely reunion after many years.
As Skopje holds the Ottoman traces, Čaršija reflects that historical spirit in the cozy pedestrian streets. It’s full of bars, restaurants and pearls that arrive from the Ohrid lake. It’s the cobblestone magic on its own.
The rose garden in the Mustafa Pasha Mosque is one of the hidden treasures just like the Suli An arts centre. Great choice is also visiting the 13 domes of the Daut Pasha Hamam, now the National Gallery.
Art Bridge
Art Bridge connects the main square to Čaršija. The treasure of statues continues in all its diversity. The views of the Vardar river blend with the elegant buildings of the Archeological Theatre, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Bank.
Art Bridge is of the newer date, to be precise- 2014. Many famous artists and musicians of the North Macedonia entice the memory here.
Actually, Skopje has 4 bridges. Art bridge and Stone bridge are the most iconic.
Dabar Maalo- the Bohemian area
Dabar Maalo is a tranquile area nestled at the western wings of Skopje near the City park. The long alleys host the cozy caffes, restaurants and relaxing trees that frame the picture. Sometimes even the rock concerts make the streets pretty alive. Don’t miss Aminta Treti, a popular street of Dabar Maalo.
Kale Fortress
At first sight it offers just a collection of ruins above the city, but then you’ll see its medieval charm. It’s free to enter but the views are amazing. I even noticed people that were shooting a documentary at the walls.
The memorial house to Mother Theresa
I haven’t visited but it’s a surprising fact that this noble Catholic nun was born in Skopje in 1910. Existing from 2009. this lovely church holds a permanent exhibition dedicated to the life of Mother Theresa.
Skopje’s City Park
It’s a pleasant stroll near the river Vardar just 15 minutes away from the main square. Built by the Ottoman Turks in the 20th century the City Park is the most beautiful in autumn. Between several small lakes and bridges City Park offers the peaceful atmosphere.
The largest arena in Macedonia Phillip II Arena is located close to the entrance of the park. Central Park Skopje Café gives the opportunity to rent a kayak and surrounder yourelf to the beauty of the park.
Mount Vodno
Mount Vodno celebrates the stunning views of Skopje which are particularly enchanting in autumn. With 1,066m mount Vodno hosts one of the world’s largest crosses, the stunning Millenium Cross.
The bus 25 can take you to the mount Vodno where the cable car is placed. Unfortunately, it didn’t work during my visit.
On the way down the charming Byzantine church St. Panteleimon monastery captures the beautiful symphony of colours during the autumn time.
Canyon Matka
Canyon Matka is a stunning art of nature so close to Skopje and a popular weekend getaway. That’s why it’s advisable to visit it during week days. The delighful walk or boat trip captures the impressive views above the river Treska. Â
You can reach Matka canyon by bus n. 60 from the city centre (near the fortress).
In the past the entrance fee was free, but now they charge a small amount. If I remember well, it’s 10 macedonian dinars. Unfortunately, I cannot find the exact amount on the internet.
If you wish to stay overnight, in the charming Hotel Canyon Matka you can truly enjoy the nature, peace and the atmosphere.
All in all
Skopje shines with contrasts, southern spirit and blend of cultures. Enjoy Skopje in all its beauty.
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I know very little about Macedonia so this was great to read — there seems to be a lot to explore and experience here (I love the photos you shared). Thanks for this travel review; I’d love to visit!
Ooh I love this! I hadn’t heard of Skopje before but it looks absolutely wonderful. The art bridge and fortress both look like places I’d really enjoy. Thank you so much for sharing, I’ve added this to my tbr x
This was a fascinating read. I don’t know much about Macedonia at all but this post has definitely inspired me to do some more research!
I know nothing about Macedonia or Skopje, but the City Park and Matka Canyon look stunning, and the rose garden in the Mustafa Pasha Mosque sounds beautiful.
That city park looks beautiful in the fall! It looks like the city has some awesome medieval structures too.
Canyon Matka looks beautiful. Thanks for sharing these lovely photos of your adventures.
You’re right! Skopje is a very beautiful city. Reading this post makes me want to travel here in the future. Thank you for sharing. Beautiful post and love the pictures.
I didn’t know much about Macedonia, but Skopje looks beautiful, especially Canyon Matka! Thank you for sharing!
Wow, what a gorgeous place. I would love to travel here one day. These are great photos.
I love learning about new places.
This looks like a beautiful place to visit.
I didn’t know that Mother Theresa was born in Skopje, that’s interesting. Canyon Matka looks so good in your pictures, I wish I was there now. Lovely post with really nice pictures! Thanks for taking us on a quick virtual tour.
Love learning about the history of different places.
I have thought about visiting Macedonia, but because of the Covid pandemic, things got harder as we all wished that. Nevertheless, I enjoyed your post a lot and I hope one day to visit Skopje. I already know that Kale Fortress I would just love!
Btw, does it’s expensive in Macedonia? I have heard that it’s a very cheap destination.
Gorgeous! My friends live in Macedonia, so this was really interesting!
I’ve never heard of Skopje but it looks like such a charming place! Loved the pics and would love to visit one day. Thank you for sharing!
This is definitely somewhere that I could see myself visiting. I basically want to do any sort of traveling during autumn, since it’s my favorite season and I’d always rather be outdoors when it’s cool. It was neat to learn more about Skopje. I never knew anything about it before!
Great article.
My gosh! The views!
Wow, Skopje looks so interesting and welcoming. It’s not somewhere I knew anything about, so thanks for sharing. Definitely one to add to the ‘to visit’ list!
What a beautiful place filled with lots of histories. Haven’t hear of the place before. Amazing, thanks for sharing
This is a great post. We always hear about Athens, Istanbul, and Rome, but we never hear about or think about going to places like Macedonia. Skopje is a beautiful city. Thank you for sharing this post. It has definitely made us consider going to Alexander the Great’s ancestral home country.
Glad to hear this, beyond Skopje Macedonia is full of discovery..
So great! I’d heard that it was fine to skip Skopje, but your post makes me want to include it in my next Balkans itinerary! Thanks for sharing.